Derek Carr’s sudden retirement throws major uncertainty into the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback situation and the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
Carr steps away after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, leaving the Saints with Spencer Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough behind center when the regular season kicks off in September.
In the meantime, expect a truly open competition in New Orleans through spring OTAs, minicamps, training camp, and the preseason to decide Carr’s replacement.
New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough Named Top Rookie to Watch
Tyler Shough. Cleveland Browns
Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough during Pro Day at the UofL Football’s Trager Indoor Practice Facility Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
ESPN’s Field Yates put together a list of the top rookies chosen after the first round who could make a significant impact this season, with Shough atop the list, especially in the fallout of Carr’s retirement.
“I believe Shough will beat out Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener for the starting job,” Yates writes for ESPN. “Now, the Saints’ roster might not be set up for the immediate success of a rookie quarterback, but they will likely give Shough every chance to show he can become their long-term fixture under center. Shough’s arm talent, ability to read the defense and mobility are the foundation of an impressive skill set. He threw 23 touchdown passes last season and has 32 career starts under his belt.”
Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Sep 21, 2024; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough (9) looks to pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Louisville defeated Georgia Tech 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
Shough, chosen No. 40 overall by the Saints, after earning elite 91.8 and 92.1 deep passing and intermediate passing grades from Pro Football Focus last season could be equipped to maximize receiver Chris Olave’s impact in ways that even Carr at times struggled with.
If nothing else, if the Saints play Shough, it is the ideal opportunity to evaluate the future of the quarterback position, ahead of a loaded draft class that includes the likes of Texas’ Arch Manning and Penn State’s Drew Allar among the most coveted prospects next spring.
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